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Some sports gifts that are worth giving

‘Tis the season, and if you’re looking for something for your sports fan, or want to help out a kid in need, here are a few local suggestions.

■ A group of Fruita Monument High School students started a really cool nonprofit organization in May 2011 — Play Back Sports.

The students collect new or “gently used” sports equipment to donate to elementary school children who would love to play a sport but whose families can’t afford proper equipment.

Earlier this month, the group had its first open house at a local elementary school and handed out more than 350 items to kids.

The students who didn’t get an item were placed on a “Wish List.”

That’s where you come in.

Play Back Sports is asking for donations before Dec. 21 so they can deliver wish-list items to kids before Christmas.

You can shoot them an email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) or call Kelin Henke (250-5888), Michael Harris (985-5299), Travis Moesser (985-5640), Logan Pfister (985-2903) or Gage Lovern (261-0504) to arrange a pickup or delivery of equipment.

If you want to check out this organization, the Website is playbacksports.org.

Another option is making a cash donation, which will be used for scholarships so kids can join local youth teams.

If your son or daughter has outgrown his or her sports equipment but it’s in good shape, consider donating it to this group, or when you’re doing your last-minute shopping, toss an extra bat or ball into your cart.

■ Have a young baseball player who’s itching to get outside and play, and who’s going to be bored during the winter break?

Enroll him in the Western Slope Baseball Camp from Jan. 4–6 at Colorado Mesa University.

The camp, sponsored by the Grand Junction Rockies, is for players age 9 to college and will cover all aspects of hitting, fielding, pitching and catching.

Jordan Pacheco of the Colorado Rockies will be at the camp, along with GJ Rockies manager Tony Diaz, several Colorado Rockies instructors and the CMU coaching staff.

The camp costs $150, and players ages 13 and older will receive a written evaluation. All campers will receive a T-shirt.

Call 562-335-6419 or 970-250-2057 for information or to register.

■ Season tickets always make a sports fan happy. Here are some options:

JUCO — Reserved tournament passes for the 2013 tournament are on sale, and if you buy your tickets before Jan. 31, you get a 10 percent discount.

Tickets in the first base “Tower” section (seat backs) are $152 for all 19 games, with the discount price $136.80. Reserved “grandstand” tickets (bleachers) are $76 each, with the discount price $68.40. All processing fees are included.

Go to jucotickets.com for order forms or call 1-800-591-JUCO (5826). JUCO is May 25–June 1 at Suplizio Field.

Colorado Mesa University — A general admission all-sports pass is $150, and the university has several options for combination passes for football, basketball and other sports.

Call 242-2985 or visit CMUtickets.com.

CMU’s popular golf pass is on sale at the athletic offices. For information, call 248-1503.

Grand Junction Rockies — Season tickets for 2013 are on sale, either by calling the Rockies at 255-ROCK (7625) or going to the front office at 1315 North Ave. (at Suplizio Field) during regular business hours. Season tickets are $312 each. The GJ Rockies play 38 home games, starting June 20.

Golf/Swim passes — The area golf courses are selling season passes for 2013, and you can get a good deal if you buy them before the end of the year. The GJ Parks and Recreation Department also sells punch cards and pool passes for the Orchard Mesa Community Pool and Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool. Information at gjcity.org or 254-3866.